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Hoffenheim win first friendly in India

vor 2 Stunden

Hoffenheim coach Markus Gisdol (l.) and striker Roberto Firmino (r.) look on from the touchline as the Sinsheim side took on a Mizoram State XIDie Kraichgauer received a warm welcome when they arrived at the stadium in Aizawl......as well as at the local airportHoffenheim travelled to India on 11 May and will make stops in Calcutta, Goa and AizawlThe local transport and climate are rather different to what the players are used to in Germany......but they were immediately at home out on the pitch in Aizawl, taking a third minute lead in front of an 11,000-strong crowdThe visitors eventual won 3-0 in a game that was broadcasted to the whole of India

Aizawl - 1899 Hoffenheim began their trip to India on a positive note after beating a Mizoram State side 3-0 in a friendly match in front of approximately 11,000 supporters.

Anthony Modeste opened the scoring for Markus Gisdol’s team in the third minute, before Eugen Polanski doubled their advantage shortly before the half-hour mark. Jiloan Hamad sealed the victory five minutes after half-time in a game that was broadcast live nationwide in India.

'Wonderful experience'

“We gave a good account of ourselves,” said Gisdol after the final whistle. “The players had a lot of fun out there and our opponents deserve praise for the way they played. They were very active and had some good chances to score. The result isn’t important, it was just nice to feel the enthusiasm of the people here. This wonderful experience will live long in our memories.”

In partnership with the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), Hoffenheim are in India to promote the Bundesliga across the subcontinent. Furthermore, in close cooperation with the club’s main sponsor SAP, a German multi-national software corporation, the Sinsheim outfit will initiate four new projects. The team will also visit schools and football clubs in Kolkata, Goa and Aizawl and take part in training sessions with local children, amongst other activities.

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